Child Protection Policy

Overview

The Board of Management of Coláiste Naomh Eoin, recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of Coláiste life and must be reflected in all of the Coláiste’s policies, practices and activities.

The Board of Management believes that the academic, personal and social development of children flourishes in a culture where good relationships are encouraged, people feel valued and respected and appropriate support is available for those in difficulty.

The Board of Management is committed to the maintenance of the environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to express themselves and are listened to. All children in the Coláiste Naomh Eoin will be made aware that there are adults on the course whom they can approach if they are worried.

Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills’ Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, the Board of Management of Coláiste Naomh Eoin has agreed the following child protection policy:

The Board of Management of Coláiste Naomh Eoin has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools as part of this overall child protection policy. The Board of Management will be guided by these procedures along with “Children First” procedures, which have been provided by the HSE (Health Service Executive).

The Board of Management of Coláiste Naomh Eoin will ensure that appropriate and on-going training as necessary will be available for DLP and the DDLP.

The Board of Management of Coláiste Naomh Eoin fully endorses arrangements for the vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff for the Department of Education & Skills.

In its policies, practices and activities, Coláiste Naomh Eoin will adhere to the following principles of best practice in child protection and welfare. The school will:

Recognise that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations.

Fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters.

Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect.

Develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children; and fully respect confidentiality requirements in dealing with child protection matters.

In addition to these practices, opportunities will be included in the curriculum for children to develop the skills they need to keep them safe.

The Coláiste will also adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability.

Recognising that the safety and well being of children attending the school is a priority, the Board undertakes to include Child Protection & Health & Safety matters as items on the agenda of all Board meetings forthwith.

Certain policies and strategies will be continually implemented and also updated over time as the demands of the Coláiste and its general population change. They will act in conjunction with this policy to ensure a child-centered environment in on our courses. These are as follows:

Course Rules & Regulations

Anti-Bullying Policy

The Board of Management of Coláiste Naomh Eoin has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.

This policy has been made available to school personnel and and is readily accessible to parents on request. A copy of this policy will be made available to the Department and the patron if requested.

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management on an annually basis.